Director

Introduction

Science helps shape our world and our lives. It has become an integral part of our culture and society. For democracy to function properly, it is essential that everyone be able to participate, that all Dutch citizens have sufficient knowledge of science, and that they be able to engage in discussions about it.

Science makes a significant contribution to our well-being, our health, our democracy, our culture, and our economy and innovative capacity. The importance of research grows and becomes more visible when it addresses questions raised by society, and when steps are taken to ensure that research findings can actually be used to enhance well-being and prosperity. Many major problems can only be addressed through collaboration between researchers and society.

Science communication is a two-way exchange between researchers and society regarding the processes, results, and implications of scientific research. Science communication is important in a society where science plays a major role. It helps citizens weigh options and make choices, is necessary for citizens and scientists to collaborate on solutions to societal challenges, enriches the lives of many with stories about our shared culture and history, and contributes to mutual understanding and trust between science and society.

About NEWS

Science communication in the Netherlands faces a number of structural challenges. This contributes to the risk that society and science will drift apart and that mutual trust will erode. Something must be done about this: science communication must improve. That is why (now outgoing) Minister Dijkgraaf commissioned two trailblazers, Ionica Smeets and Alex Verkade, in 2022 to draft a plan for a national center for science communication. The ministry is investing—in principle—ten million euros in this independent center, spread over a period of ten years.

That center, the National Center of Expertise on Science & Society (NEWS), was recently established. Its mission is to strengthen the connection between science and society by improving science communication, specifically by:

• A broader and more extensive reach within society. At present, certain groups in society are still far less involved in science than others.
• More interaction and an equal dialogue, in addition to simply conveying information.
• Greater emphasis on scientific methods and processes, in addition to results.
• Greater efficiency and impact of activities.

Finally, NEWS aims to enhance the capacity for learning within the science communication field, ensuring that improvements are sustained over the long term. To this end, NEWS will focus on practitioners, researchers, and policymakers. The center will not itself carry out or fund science communication activities.

The time has come to turn our ambitions into reality, which is why we are seeking aDirector (m/f/x) for the National Center of Expertise for Science & Societyin Utrecht, 36 hours per week.

What will you be doing?

A new foundation for NEWS was established in March 2024 by an initial board consisting of Ionica Smeets, Alex Verkade, Willem Bijleveld, and Adriana Esmeijer. During the initial phase, these executive directors will play an active role in building the organization, including recruiting the director and the first team members and securing office space. Once the director and other team members have started, the board will take on a less prominent role.

As an organization, NEWS has consciously chosen to act as a catalyst within the existing field. The decision to operate as a small center also means that the director, in consultation with the board, will carefully determine what NEWS does—and, more importantly, what it does not do. A pioneering spirit, decisiveness, a compelling vision, and the ability to build connections will therefore be essential in the coming period.

There is no doubt that the coming years will be crucial for getting this new foundation off to a good start. As director, you will be responsible for further developing and implementing the action plan and for building support for its goals among stakeholders both within and outside the knowledge system.

The director will first work with the founding board to establish the organization, including recruiting a full team, managing external communications, and drafting concrete policy plans. In addition to the director, the team will consist of three advisors, a team/communications manager, and a paid intern, totaling approximately 5 to 6 full-time equivalents. Next, it will be necessary to complete the board and form a national steering committee.

NEWS aims to become a visible, respected, and service-oriented organization that provides accessible, up-to-date expertise on the processes, objectives, impact, and evaluation of science communication; fosters a community by connecting relevant networks, individuals, and organizations; and helps optimize the conditions for science communication by engaging in dialogue with stakeholders in the science system.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a versatile and enterprising director who can:

1. Build relationships with and gain support from a wide range of individuals and organizations in society, including through conversations in which you demonstrate enthusiasm and curiosity, establish yourself as an authority on the subject, and/or foster collaboration.

2. Develop a strategy for NEWS and Dutch science communication that incorporates, among other things, NEWS’s vision, an understanding of the science system and its stakeholders, insight into societal developments, input from discussions held, and an awareness of the perspectives of people who are not familiar with science; and make clear decisions.

3. Translate strategy into actions and results by identifying opportunities, taking the lead, developing concrete actions based on an abstract vision and strategy, acting quickly when necessary, and demonstrating patience and perseverance when appropriate, all while operating within a sometimes complex political and administrative context.

4. Build and nurture a small organization and team in its early stages by being flexible and solution-oriented, getting hands-on, adopting a leadership style suited to a small team of professionals, and implementing an approach that ensures effective project management and fosters the organization’s growth and development.

What do we offer?

As director, you will hold a unique, high-profile new position in the scientific community. You will have a strong mandate to shape the organization’s mission and structure independently, in collaboration with the team and with the support of the founding board, and to further develop the three strategic pillars outlined in the action plan—expertise, connection, and system. In addition, we offer you a salary in scale 14 of the Central Government Collective Labor Agreement (CAO Rijk), ranging from €5,359 to a maximum of €7,834 gross per month for a 40-hour workweek, along with ample opportunities to negotiate customized fringe benefits. Initially, this is a one-year employment contract. There is a prospect of permanent employment, provided the Minister of Education, Culture, and Science continues to grant the subsidy. The position is based in Utrecht.

NEWS views the diversity of our society as a given and an asset, and strives to have a workforce that is as diverse as Dutch society itself. We also believe that a diverse organization is better equipped to fulfill our mission and face the future. We therefore consider it an asset if you bring skills, experiences, and perspectives that we do not yet have. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can develop their talents and feel valued and engaged.

Interested?

NEWS is working with the executive search firm Colourful People on the recruitment and selection process for this position. You can express your interest by submitting your resume and cover letter in PDF format no later than July 7, 2024 and preferably sooner via the application form to our website. A reference check and/or an online assessment may be part of the application process. For more information, please contact Naima Azough, a partner at Colourful People, at 06-43449717 or n.azough@colourfulpeople.nl.

Once your application has been successfully uploaded, you will receive a confirmation email. Didn’t receive it? Please contact Naima Azough. Rest assured that your personal information and application will be treated confidentially.

Schedule

• The deadline for comments is July 7.
• In week 28, Colourful People will conduct online preliminary interviews.
• The first round of in-person interviews will take place in Utrecht on Wednesday, July 17.
• The second round of in-person interviews will take place in Utrecht on Friday, July 19, and possibly on Monday, July 22.

We kindly ask applicants to keep these dates open for now.

Sales calls are not appreciated.